Metering system for solid particulate

ABSTRACT

An improved particulate handling system is provided. The system includes a plurality of particulate storage areas and a plurality of types of particulate. Each type of particulate can be housed in a separate particulate storage area. Separate particulate conveyors are in operable communication with each of the particulate storage areas. Separate drive systems can be in operable control of the each of the particulate conveyors. The particulate conveyors convey particulate into an air flow path. The separate drive systems can be operated independently and/or at varied speeds.

BACKGROUND

I. Field of the Disclosure

A metering system for solid particulate is disclosed. More specifically,but not exclusively, a particulate handling system with variable blendand variable application rate controls for particulate matter, such asdry fertilizers, is disclosed.

II. Description of the Prior Art

Particulate metering systems use varied approaches to control the rateat which particulate is metered and/or blended with other particulatetypes. Particulate metering is complicated by the desire tosimultaneously meter at separate discharge points varying rates andblends of different particulate. In such instances where the particulateis fertilizer, there's a significant interest in controlling the blendand application rate of two or more fertilizers, and specificallycontrolling a variation in the blend and application rate of two or morefertilizers at separate discharge points, such as at separate rows in afield. Further complications surround the growing desire toindependently control variations in both the blend and application rateof particulate for each separate discharge point or for a set ofdischarge points. Many desire to independently control the blend andapplication rate of two or more fertilizers. In other words, what isdesired in at least one application is a dry fertilizer metering systemthat can make adjustments to both the application rate and blend of twoor more fertilizers on a row-by-row basis—one row receiving a blend offertilizers at a desired rate while another row simultaneously receivesthe same or a separate blend of fertilizers at the same or anotherdesired rate.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a particulate handling system for aparticulate metering system with variable blend and variable applicationrate controls. The particulate handling system can include a pluralityof particulate storage areas and a plurality of types of particulate.One of the types of particulate can be housed in one of the plurality ofparticulate storage areas. A first set of particulate conveyors is inoperable communication with one of the plurality of particulate storageareas. A second set of particulate conveyors is in operablecommunication with a separate one of the particulate storage areas. Afirst drive system is in operable control of the first set ofparticulate conveyors and a second drive system is in operable controlof the second set of particulate conveyors. The first set of particulateconveyors can convey a type of particulate into an air flow path and thesecond set of particulate conveyors can convey a separate type ofparticulate into the air flow path. The first drive system and thesecond drive system can be operated independently and/or at variedspeeds.

The particulate handling system can include a particulate mixing chamberin communication with a particulate conveyor from the first set ofparticulate conveyors and a particulate conveyor from the second set ofparticulate conveyors. The particulate mixing chamber receives at leastone type of particulate. The particulate mixing chamber can also includeat least one directional bend in the air flow path.

One or more metering controls can be in operable control with the firstset of particulate conveyors and the second set of particulateconveyors. The metering controls can obtain data from each of theparticulate storage areas.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a particulate flow pathis provided. The particulate flow path can include a plurality ofparticulate storage areas and a plurality of particulate accelerators influid communication with an air source. Each of the particulateaccelerators has an air-particulate output. The particulate flow pathcan also include a mixing area within each of the particulateaccelerators and a discharge line connected to the air-particulateoutput of each of the particulate accelerators. A plurality of operatedconveyances is also provided. One of the operated conveyances is inoperable communication with one of the particulate storage areas. Theoperated conveyances convey particulate from the particulate storageareas to each of the particulate accelerators. Thereafter, theparticulate descends vertically within the particulate accelerators intothe mixing area. Within the mixing area, the particulate can mix withand be suspended by air from the air source. Thereafter, theair-particulate mixture moves through the air-particulate output intothe discharge line.

Two of the operated conveyances can be coupled to opposing walls of eachof the particulate accelerators. One or more drive systems can be inoperable control of the operated conveyances.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a method for handlingparticulate in a particulate metering system is provided. The methodincludes providing a plurality of containers. Each of the containersstores a particulate. The particulate is dispensed through one or moregates disposed on a bottom portion of each of the particulate containersinto a plurality of cartridges. The particulate is conveyed within thecartridges and into particulate accelerators. An air flow is providedthrough the plurality of accelerators, which accelerates theparticulate. The air flow and the particulate mix and the mixture areoutputted.

The particulate can be suspended in the air flow. The air flow providedto the plurality of accelerators can have a common air source. Each ofthe cartridges can be independently controlled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrated embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail belowwith reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporatedby reference herein, and where:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a particulate metering implementin accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a particulate container system inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a particulate container in accordance withan illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view a particulate container in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the particulate container of FIG. 2taken along section line 5-5;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the particulate container of FIG. 2taken along section line 6-6;

FIG. 6B is a bottom plan view of a particulate container in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a bottom tray of a particulate containerin accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a is a front perspective view of a particulate container and aplurality of particulate handling systems in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a hangar in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 10A is an isometric view of a cartridge in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 10B is a side elevation view of a cartridge in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 10C is a top plan view of a cartridge in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 10D is an exploded isometric view of a cartridge in accordance withan illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 11A is a front elevation view of a gearbox in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 11B is a front perspective view of a gearbox in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 11C is an exploded front perspective view of a gearbox inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a particulate handling system inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the particulate handling systemat various stages of installation in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 14 is a front view of a plurality of gearboxes in configurations inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of two particulate handling systems and aparticulate accelerator in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the two particulate handlingsystems and a particulate accelerator of FIG. 15 taken along sectionline 16-16;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a portion of a particulatecontainer system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a portion of a particulatemetering implement in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a portion of a particulatecontainer system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of a portion of a plurality ofparticulate handling systems and particulate accelerators in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a particulate metering implement 100. While the figureshows a particulate metering implement, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that the disclosure covers other types ofimplements, including but not limited to, seed meters, seed planters,nutrient applicators, and other agricultural equipment. The implement100 can be mounted upon a towable trailer or other suitable structuresuch as a toolbar, or integrally formed with a particulate applicationsystem. The implement can include a frame assembly 102, upon whichparticulate containers 202 and 204 can be mounted. For useraccessibility to the particulate containers 202 and 204, a platform 104and ladders 106 can be provided.

Referring to FIG. 2, the particulate containers 202 and 204 can beconnected to the frame assembly 102 by frame members 208 havingattachment means 218. A top surface of the particulate containers 202and 204 can include openings (not shown) covered by one or more lids216. The lids 216 can be opened or removed to permit loading ofparticulate into and/or servicing the particulate containers 202 and204. In an exemplary embodiment, an edge of the lids 216 can bepivotally connected to the particulate containers 202 and 204 with oneor more hinges 210. One or more clamps 212 can be mounted on theparticulate containers 202 and 204 proximate to the opposing edge of thelids 216 to releasably secure the lids to the containers. To assist inopening the lids 216, a handle 214 can be connected to the lids 216proximate the clamps 212. Upon opening and/or removal of the lids 216,one or more screens 220 can be disposed within the openings of theparticulate containers 202 and 204, as shown illustratively in FIG. 3,to prevent debris from entering the same.

Further, the clamps 212 can provide an airtight seal between the lids216 and the particulate containers 202 and 204. In such an embodiment,the airtight seal can permit the particulate containers 202 and 204 tobe pressurized. In one representative example, the particulatecontainers 202 and 204 can be pressurized to ten, fifteen, twenty orgreater inches of water (in H₂0). The pressurization can assist inguiding the particulate to the particulate handling system 300, providefor improved control of quantities dispensed to the particulate handlingsystem 300, and/or provide for improved control of the environment inwhich the particulate is housed.

In an embodiment, the particulate containers 202 and 204 can besymmetrical in structure and identical in function. In otherembodiments, the one or more of the particulate containers can bemodified without deviating from the objects of the disclosure.Hereinafter, discussion of particulate container 204 refers toparticulate container 204 and its counterpart structure particulatecontainer 202.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, particulate container 204 can include anupper portion 222, a middle portion 226, and a lower portion 228. Theupper portion 222 can be a rectangular prism or like shapes to maximizestorage capacity above the frame assembly 102 (FIG. 1). The middleportion 226 can be a trapezium prism or like shapes to assist infunneling the particulate to the lower portion 228. The transition fromthe upper portion 222 to the middle portion 226 can be generallydemarcated by frame members 208 disposed around the perimeter of themiddle portion 226 of the particulate container 204. The particulatecontainer 204 can also have a recessed area 224 on the side wallproximate to opposing particulate container 202. The recessed area 224prevents frame member 208 from extending past the plane of the sidewall, which maximizes the volume of the particulate container 204 whilealso minimizing the space required between the two particulatecontainers 202 and 204. The lower portion 228 can also be a trapeziumprism or like shapes to assist in funneling the particulate to the baseof the particulate container 204. Further, to assist in servicing theinside of the particulate container 204, a ladder 232 can be provided.

In addition to the shape of the particulate container 204, other meanscan be provided within or on the container to assist in funneling theparticulate to the base of the container and/or to preventagglomerations of particulate within the container. Such means caninclude, but are not limited to, agitators, augers, pneumatics, beltdrives, internal structures, and the like.

One or more scales (not shown) can be associated with each of theparticulate containers 202 and 204. The scales can be operativelyconnected to a control system and configured to weigh each of theparticulate containers 202 and 204. Together with one or more speedsensors 502 (FIG. 18) associated with one or more transmissions 306(FIG. 18) discussed below, the system can provide real-time and/orpost-operation feedback of the expected volume of particulate dispensedversus actual volume of particulate dispensed for each unit row of thefield and/or for the overall particulate metering implement. Todetermine expected volume of particulate dispensed, speed sensors canmeasure the number of rotations of a shaft 359 with flightings 357, asshown illustratively in FIG. 10D. Based on the number and knowndimensions of the flightings 357, including diameter and helix angle, anestimation of how much particulate is dispensed per revolution can beobtained. The estimation can be applied to each unit row for theparticulate metering implement, each of which may be operating at variedrates. The total expected volume can then be compared to the change inweight (multiplied by the density of the particulate) as measured by theone or more scales associated with the particulate containers 202 and204. Further, in an embodiment utilizing real-time feedback, the controlsystem can make adjustments based on the data provided to reconcile theexpected volume of particulate dispensed versus actual volume ofparticulate dispensed. Still further, the data can be used by thecontrol system to diagnose dysfunctional screw conveyor(s) 356 and/orauger motor(s) 504 (FIG. 18), and/or identify potential blockages ofparticulate within the particulate metering implement.

The particulate container 204 can include a bottom tray 310, as shown inFIGS. 5, 6A and 6B. The bottom tray 310 can include a plurality of largegates 312 and a plurality of small gates 314 arranged along the lengthof the bottom tray 310. The plurality of gates 312 and 314 can be squareand/or rectangular, as shown, or can be of any shape to permitparticulate to enter the particulate delivery system 300. Similarly, theplurality of gates 312 and 314 can all be the same shape and/or size, orof varied shapes and/or sizes based on the application. The interstitialportions of the bottom tray 310 can be flat, as shown, or can have awedged-shape configuration to funnel particulate to the plurality ofgates 312 and 314. The bottom tray 310 can be integrally connected tothe lower portion 228 of the particulate container 204, or can beremovable to permit a user to quickly install a different bottom tray310 based on the application. As best shown illustratively in FIG. 7,the plurality of large gates 312 and the plurality of small gates 314can be separated by a raised portion 316. The raised portion 316 canfunnel the particulate into the plurality of large gates 312 and theplurality of small gates 314 and/or add structural support along thelength of the bottom tray 310. Separating the particulate into a pairsof gates (e.g., large gates 312 and small gates 314) can minimizeundesirable torquing of the screw conveyors 356 and auger motors 504(FIG. 18), particularly during initialization of the particulatehandling system 300.

A plurality of moveable and/or controllable gate covers (not shown) canbe installed on plurality of gates 312 and 314. The gate covers, whenclosed, can prevent particulate from filling the short auger tubes 302and/or long auger tubes 304, as shown illustratively in FIG. 8. The gatecovers can be manually controlled or operatively controlled. Theconfiguration can further increase the modularity of the metering systemby limiting which discharge points (e.g., row units), if any, receiveone or more of the types of particulate.

Referring to FIG. 8, the particulate delivery system 300 can include aplurality of long auger tubes 304 and a plurality of short auger tubes302. The plurality of long auger tubes 304 and the plurality of shortauger tubes 302 can be alternately disposed in parallel below the bottomtray 310 (FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7) of the particulate container 204. Thealternating of the long auger tubes 304 and the short auger tubes 302can provide for a greater density of additional components disposedbetween particulate containers 202 and 204, and more particularly, aplurality of particulate accelerators, which will be discussed below.Each of the plurality of long auger tubes 304 and the plurality of shortauger tubes 302 can extend from a cartridge 320 operatively connected toa gearbox 306, as shown illustratively in FIGS. 12 and 15.

As best shown illustratively in FIGS. 6B and 13, each of the cartridges320 can be disposed between two hangars 308 affixed to the lower portion228 of the particulate container 204. The upper surface 346 of thehangars 308, as shown illustratively in FIG. 9, can be welded to thecontainer, or may be affixed by any means commonly known in the art,including but not limited to, nut and bolt, screws, rivets, soldering,and the like. The upper surface 346 of the hangars 308 can comprise aportion of an elongated container attachment member 342. Extendingoutwardly from the container attachment member 342 can be two guidesurfaces 358 generally parallel to the upper surface 346. As discussedbelow, a guide surface 358 from adjacent hangars 308 can be adapted toreceive a cartridge 320. The hangars 308 can include a gearboxattachment member 340 extending perpendicularly downward from thecontainer attachment member 342. The gearbox attachment member 340 cancontain two prongs 318. The prongs 318 can be cylindrical or can be ofany shape commonly known in the art to engage and/or secure a gearbox306. Further, while two prongs 318 are shown in FIG. 9, the presentdisclosure contemplates any number of prongs without deviating from theobjects of the disclosure.

In an another embodiment, the plurality of long auger tubes 304 and theplurality of short auger tubes 302 can be secured below the bottom tray310 by a support member (not shown) extending the length of theparticulate container 204. The support member can be, for example, agenerally U-shaped beam with a plurality of openings to support thecartridges.

An embodiment of the cartridge 320 is shown illustratively in FIGS. 10A,10B, 10C and 10D. The cartridge 320 can include an input slot 350 sizedand shaped to receive particulate passing through the plurality of largegates 312 and the plurality of small gates 314 in the bottom tray 310.An input slot interface 348 and a gasket (not shown) can seal thecartridge 320 to the inferior side of bottom tray 310. The seal canprevent particulate from escaping the system, particularly in instanceswhere the particulate containers 202 and 204 are pressurized. Thecartridge 320 can be constructed in two halves 352 and 354. Each of thetwo halves 352 and 354 can include a curved flange portion 367 adaptedto receive a short auger tube 302 or a long auger tube 304. While twohalves can provide for ease of manufacturing, the present disclosurealso contemplates a unitary cartridge construction.

Within the input slot 350 of the cartridge 320 is a screw conveyor 356.In an illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, the screwconveyor 356 can include a shaft 359 and flightings 357 as commonlyknown in the art. The shaft 359 can be comprised of two shaft sections363 and 365. While the embodiment can utilize a screw conveyor, it canbe appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure coversother means of transmitting the material through a tube, including butnot limited to, hydraulic pistons, pneumatics, slides, belts, and thelike. External to the two halves 352 and 354 of the cartridge 320, thescrew conveyor 356 can be coupled to an inner shaft 325. Each of the twohalves 352 and 354 can include a second curved flange portion 361adapted to receive a bearing that supports the inner shaft 325.Encircling the inner shaft 325 can be a drive shaft 324. The inner shaft325 and the drive shaft 324 can be rotatably engaged with a pin 326. Theaxial position of the drive shaft 324 on the inner shaft 325 can bepreserved through a pin 328 extending through the inner shaft 325proximate to an edge of the drive shaft 324. The drive shaft 324 can behexagonal to engage a drive shaft opening 341 in the gearbox 306, asshown illustratively in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C. The drive shaft 324 maybe hexagonal as shown, or may be of any shape suitable to engage thegearbox 306 and achieve the objects of the disclosure. Further, thepresent disclosure envisions the inner shaft 325 and the drive shaft 324being a unitary construction.

A gearbox 306 is provided in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C. The gearbox 306 canbe configured of two connectable halves 336 and 338 to provide for easeof manufacturing. The gearbox 306 can include an input portion 333 andan output portion 331. The input portion 333 can include a main shaftopening 334 extending through the input portion 333. The main shaftopening 334 can be adapted to receive and engage a main drive shaft 360(FIGS. 18 and 20). In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11B,the main shaft opening 334 is hexagonal, but can be of any shapesuitable to achieve the objects of the disclosure. The main shaftopening 334 can comprise an inner portion of an input helical gear 335.As one or more gearboxes 306 can be connected in parallel, as discussedbelow, the main drive shaft 360 can span the length of the particulatecontainer 204 and simultaneously drive multiple gearboxes 306, as shownillustratively in FIG. 18. The output portion 331 can include an opening330 disposed within a first half 338 and a drive shaft opening 341disposed on the second half 336. The drive shaft opening 341 can beadapted to engage the drive shaft 324 of the cartridge 320, as discussedabove. The drive shaft opening 341 can comprise an inner portion of anoutput helical gear 337. The input helical gear 335 and output helicalgear 337 can be in a crossed configuration, as shown in FIG. 11C. Whilethe illustrative embodiment shows helical gears in a crossedconfiguration, the present disclosure contemplates any type of gearingneeded to achieve the objects of the disclosure, including but notlimited to, spur gears, bevel gears, spiral bevels, and the like. Thedrive shaft opening 341 can be orthogonal to main shaft opening 334,whereby each of the gearboxes 306 transfers the rotational speed andtorque provided by the main drive shaft 360 to an associated screwconveyor 356 disposed within a cartridge 320. The present disclosurealso contemplates other means for transferring the rotational speed andtorque provided by the main drive shaft 360 to an associated screwconveyor 356, including but not limited to, electromagnetic induction,belts, and the like. The gearbox 306 can be connected to the prongs 318of hangars 308 through mounting holes 332 disposed on each side on thegearbox 306.

In another embodiment, a motor can be operatively connected to eachcartridge, thereby removing the need for a gearbox. In the embodiment,the plurality of motors can be connected to the plurality of screwconveyors 356 to control each of the plurality of screw conveyors 356.Each of the plurality of motors can be operatively connected to acontrol system to produce a desired speed of each screw conveyor 356, ofa group or bank of the screw conveyors 356, or of all the screwconveyors 356.

FIG. 13 illustrates a plurality of particulate handling systems 300 atvarious stages of installation. Beginning below so-called Sector A, twohangars 308 can be connected to the bottom surface of the particulatecontainer 204, as discussed above. The hangars 308 may be parallel toone another and spaced to provide for installation of a cartridge 320.The cartridge 320 may be installed by sliding a lower surface of theinput slot 350 along guide surfaces 358, one from each of the adjacenthangars 308, as shown illustratively below Sector B. The advantageousdesign permits for ease of installation as well as removal andreinstallation should a cartridge 320 (and/or screw conveyor 356) needto be repaired or replaced with the same or different component. Asillustrated below Sector C, the drive shaft 324 of the cartridge 320 canbe installed over the inner shaft 325. The installation of the driveshaft 324 over the inner shaft 325 can occur either before or after thecartridge 320 has been installed between hangars 308. Thereafter, agearbox 306 can be oriented such that the mounting holes 332 (FIG. 11C)are aligned with the prongs 318 on the hangars 308, as shownillustratively below Sector D. In such an orientation, the drive shaftopening 341 (FIG. 11C) can also be aligned with the drive shaft 324 ofthe cartridge 320. After installation of the gearbox 306 on the driveshaft 324, a pin 326 may be installed to rotatably engage inner shaft325 and the drive shaft 324, and a pin 328 may be installed to axiallysecure the drive shaft 324 on the inner shaft 325, as shownillustratively below Sector E. Further, securing means commonly known inthe art can be used to secure the gearbox 306 to the prongs 318. Theinstallation process described above can be repeated for each row unitalong the length of each of the particulate containers 202 and 204. Themain drive shaft 360 can extend through and engage the main drive shaftopenings 334 in each of the gearboxes 306.

Each of the gearboxes 306 can have a clutch (not shown) in operablecommunication with a control system. At the direction of the user orbased on instruction from the control system, the control system canengage/disengage one or more predetermined clutches in order toactivate/deactivate the associated one or more screw conveyors. In suchan instance, the particulate metering system 100 can provide for sectioncontrol.

As shown illustratively in FIGS. 13 and 14, each of the two prongs 318of the one hangar 308 can be connected to adjacent gearboxes 306. Inother words, an upper prong of a hangar can be connected to one gearboxwhile a lower prong of the same hangar can be connected to an adjacentgearbox. The arrangement is due to an advantageous design of the gearbox306, which can permit one or more gearboxes 306 to be removed, invertedand reattached to the same two prongs as previously connected, as shownillustratively in FIG. 14. The inversion of a gearbox 306 can provideseveral advantages over the state of the art. First, in an invertedposition, one or more of the gearboxes 306 can be disengaged from themain drive shaft 360 based on the needs of the application (e.g., in atleast one instance, where one or more of the rows in the field does notrequire particulate metering). Second, a second main drive shaft (notshown) can be implemented and adapted to engage the one or moregearboxes 306 placed in an inverted position. The second main driveshaft can also extend the length of the particulate container 204 andcan be parallel to the main drive shaft 360. In such an embodiment, theuser can invert one gearbox or can invert multiple gearboxes to permitdesired groupings of the same (e.g., every four gearboxes, every othergearbox, etc.) based on the needs of the operation/application.Furthermore, together with the same opinion for the companionparticulate handling system 300 associated with the second particulatecontainer 202, the potential configurations can permit precise controlover the blends of the particulate from the containers as well asapplication rates in which the blends are metered.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show companion particulate handling systems connected toa particulate accelerator 400. In particular, the short auger tube 302and long auger tube 304 extending from cartridges 320 can interface witha particulate accelerator 400 at interfaces 406. Referring to FIG. 16, agasket 409 can seal the short auger tube 302 and the particulateaccelerator 400 and long auger tube 304 and the particulate accelerator400. The gasket 409 can provide the appropriate seal while accountingfor the flexing required of the short auger tube 302 and long auger tube304 within the particulate accelerators due to movement of thecartridges 320 (as the particulate containers 202 and 204 are emptied,experience vibration, and the like).

In operation, particulate within the particulate container 204 can passthrough the plurality of large gates 312 and a plurality of small gates314 of the bottom tray 310 and the input slots 350 of the plurality ofcartridges 320, as shown illustratively in FIGS. 15, 19 and 20.Referring to FIG. 20, the main drive shaft 360 can be connected to theplurality of gearboxes 306. Upon receiving an input force from the augermotor 504 via the gearbox 306, the drive shaft 324 rotates the screwconveyors 356. The flightings 357 of the screw conveyors 356 cantransmit the particulate contained within the short auger tube 302 andthe longer auger tube 304 towards interfaces 406, as shownillustratively in FIGS. 16 and 20. The speed at which the screw conveyor356 rotates can be measured by a speed sensor 502 (FIG. 18). As bestshown in FIG. 20, the process described above can also occur for eachunit row along the length of the particulate containers 202 and 204. Theauger motor 504 associated with a subset of particulate handling systems300 of the particulate container 204 can be independently controlledfrom the auger motor 504 associated with a subset of particulatehandling systems 300 of the particulate container 202, thereby providingfor variable blend of the types of particulate. Together with inversionof one or more gearboxes and/or auger motors operatively connected toeach screw conveyor, a user can have precise control over the blend ofthe types of particulate and the application rate at which the blend ismetered into the particulate accelerators.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the particulate accelerator 400 can include aninlet 402 and an outlet 404. The inlet 402 can be in fluid connectionwith the plenum 407. Further, the particulate accelerators 400 can bearranged in two rows along the length of the plenum 407. The two rows ofparticulate accelerators 400 along the length of the plenum 407 can bestaggered longitudinally to maximize compactness of the same and/or toimpart desired airflow characteristics.

The plenum 407 has an intake 410 that is in fluid communication with ablower 420, as shown illustratively in FIG. 17, and can be connected viaa blower coupler 422. The plenum 407 and/or blower coupler 422 can bemade of steel, but the disclosure contemplates other materials such asaluminum, polymers, composites, ceramics, and the like.

After passing through the plenum 407 and the blower coupler 422, airgenerated by the blower 420 can enter the particulate accelerators 400.Further, as discussed above, the screw conveyors 356 can transmit theparticulate contained within the short auger tube 302 and the longerauger tube 304 towards particulate accelerators 400, as shownillustratively in FIG. 20. Upon reaching the particulate accelerators400, the particulate blend can descend vertically within the particulateaccelerators 400 due to the force of gravity. The air tracking around acurved back wall of the particulate accelerators 400 can create an acuteangle with the vertically descending particulate. The acute angle canminimize the directional change of the particulate needed to exit theparticulate accelerator 400. The air can further provide a fluid bed ofair upon which the particulate blend is suspended as it exitsparticulate accelerator 400 through outlet 404. The particulate blendcan then enter a hose (not shown) and be metered to a discharge point inany manner commonly known in the art. The process described above canoccur simultaneously in each particulate accelerator 400 disposed alongthe length of the plenum 407.

The disclosure is not to be limited to the particular embodimentsdescribed herein. In particular, the disclosure contemplates numerousvariations in the type of ways in which embodiments of the disclosurecan be applied to particulate handling systems with variable blend andvariable application rate controls for particulate matter. The foregoingdescription has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit any ofthe disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated thatother alternatives or exemplary aspects that are considered included inthe disclosure. The description is merely examples of embodiments,processes or methods of the disclosure. It is understood that any othermodifications, substitutions, and/or additions can be made, which arewithin the intended spirit and scope of the disclosure. For theforegoing, it can be seen that the disclosure accomplishes at least allthat is intended.

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodimentsfor implementing the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting inscope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of thedisclosure with greater particularity.

What is claimed is:
 1. A particulate handling system for a particulatemeter, the particulate handling system comprising: a plurality ofparticulate storage areas; a plurality of types of particulate, one ofthe plurality of types of particulate housed in one of the plurality ofparticulate storage areas; a first set of particulate conveyors inoperable communication with one of the plurality of particulate storageareas; a second set of particulate conveyors in operable communicationwith a separate one of the particulate storage areas; a drive system inoperable control of the first set of particulate conveyors and thesecond set of particulate conveyors; wherein the first set ofparticulate conveyors conveys one of the plurality of types ofparticulate into an air flow path, wherein the second set of particulateconveyors conveys a separate one of the plurality of types ofparticulate into the air flow path.
 2. The particulate handling systemof claim 1 wherein the drive system further comprises: a. a first drivesystem in operable control of the first set of particulate conveyors; b.a second drive system in operable control of the second set ofparticulate conveyors, wherein the first drive system and the seconddrive system operate independently.
 3. The particulate handling systemof claim 1, further comprising: a particulate mixing chamber incommunication with a particulate conveyor from the first set ofparticulate conveyors and a particulate conveyor from the second set ofparticulate conveyors.
 4. The particulate handling system of claim 3wherein the particulate mixing chamber receives at least one of theplurality of types of particulate.
 5. The particulate handling system ofclaim 2 wherein the first drive system and the second drive systemoperate at varied speeds.
 6. The particulate handling system of claim 1,further comprising: one or more metering controls in operable controlwith the first set of particulate conveyors and the second set ofparticulate conveyors.
 7. The particulate handling system of claim 1wherein the first set of particulate conveyors and the second set ofparticulate conveyors comprise augers.
 8. The particulate handlingsystem of claim 1, further comprising: one or more metering controlsassociated with the plurality of particulate storage areas, wherein theone or more metering controls obtain data from each of the plurality ofparticulate storage areas, wherein the one or more metering controlsoperably control the first set of particulate conveyors and the secondset of particulate conveyors based at least on the data.
 9. Theparticulate handling system of claim 1 further comprising: at least onedirectional bend in the air flow path within the particulate mixingchamber.
 10. A particulate handling system for a particulate meter, theparticulate handling system comprising: a particulate flow pathcomprising: a. a plurality of particulate storage areas; b. a pluralityof particulate accelerators in fluid communication with an air source,each of the plurality of particulate accelerators having anair-particulate output; c. a mixing area within each of the plurality ofparticulate accelerators; d. a discharge line connected to theair-particulate output of each of the plurality of particulateaccelerators; a plurality of operated conveyances, one of the pluralityof operated conveyances in operable communication with one of theplurality of particulate storage areas; wherein the plurality ofoperated conveyances conveys particulate from the plurality ofparticulate storage areas to each of the plurality of particulateaccelerators, wherein the particulate descends vertically within theplurality of particulate accelerators into the mixing area, wherein theparticulate mixes with and is suspended by air from the air source inthe mixing area, wherein an air-particulate mixture moves through theair-particulate output into the discharge line.
 11. The particulatehandling system of claim 10, further comprising: an outlet particulateflow velocity associated with the air-particulate mixture at theair-particulate output; a first particulate conveyance speed associatedwith one of the plurality of operated conveyances connected to one ofthe plurality of particulate accelerators; and a second particulatespeed associated with a separate one of the plurality of operatedconveyances connected the same one of the plurality of particulateaccelerators, wherein the first particulate conveyance speed and thesecond particulate conveyance speed are unequal, wherein the outletparticulate flow velocity is greater than the first particulateconveyance speed and the second particulate conveyance speed.
 12. Theparticulate handling system of claim 10 wherein an air-particulatemixture within the discharge line is suspended by the air.
 13. Theparticulate handling system of claim 10, further comprising: one or moredrive systems in operable control of the plurality of operatedconveyances.
 14. The particulate handling system of claim 10, furthercomprising: a plane perpendicular to the particulate flow path at theair-particulate output; and an air-particulate angle defined betweenvertical and the plane, wherein the air-particulate angle is acute. 15.The particulate handling system of claim 10 wherein two of the pluralityof operated conveyances are coupled to opposing walls of each of theplurality of particulate accelerators.
 16. A method for handlingparticulate in a particulate metering system, the method comprising thesteps of: providing a plurality of containers, each of the plurality ofcontainer stores a particulate; dispensing the particulate through oneor more gates disposed on a bottom portion of each of the plurality ofcontainers into a plurality of cartridges; conveying the particulatewithin the plurality of cartridges and into a plurality of particulateaccelerators; providing an air flow through the plurality ofaccelerators; accelerating the particulate; mixing the air flow and theparticulate; and outputting an air-particulate mixture.
 17. The methodof claim 16, further comprising the step of suspending the particulatein the air flow.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the stepof: operably controlling a first subset of the plurality of cartridgesassociated with one of the plurality of containers; and operablycontrolling a second subset of the plurality of cartridges associatedwith a separate one of the plurality of containers, wherein the one ofthe plurality of containers and the separate one of the pluralitycontainers store a different type of particulate, wherein the firstsubset and the second subset are independently controlled.
 19. Themethod claim 16 wherein each of the plurality of cartridges isindependently controlled.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein the airflow provided to the plurality of accelerators has a common air source.